APT President, Chief Eric Ilechukwu dancing along with his Exco members as Pastor Pat delivers worshop songs during thier 19th anniversary thanksgiving service. (Photos Business Hilights)
…As DPO Declares Market Most Peaceful in the Complex
The Association of Progressive Traders (APT), one of the major marketing group in the Lagos International Trade Fair complex, today, February 12, 2026, celebrated its 19th anniversary since migrating from Lagos Island.
Business Hilights reports that APT is the largest jewelries market in Africa occupying a sizeable portion of the trade fair complex and is known as Africa’s centre for beads, rings, wrist watches, bangles and all grades of jewelries including gold, GL, silver and even African traditional beads and accessories.
Taking his sermon from the angle of ‘Having The Mind of Christ’, the lead pastor, explained that “having the mind of Christ is the beginning of good life that will guarantee heaven at the end of life.”
He further encouraged APT members to distance themselves from crimes, troubles and any form of dealings that will dishonor God, saying the mind of Christ is the beginning of being a genuine businessman and woman.
Taking a cue from the Pastor’s sermon, the Special Guest, Trade Fair Police DPO, Madam Bisi, advised APT members to adopt the day’s sermon and dwell on them for not only everlasting life but growth in business.
She was quick to declare that based on her crime management data and experience as the DPO of Trade Fair Police Station, “APT is the most peaceful market”.
Whereas this revelation was followed with massive applause from APT members, the senior Police officer advised members to always abide by the laws of the association and that of the Federal Government for peace and progress of the market and Nigeria in general.
In his keynote address, the President of APT, Chief Eric Ifeanyichukwu Ilechukwu (Akunwafor-Anyirico) thanked the members for their relentless support in the last seven years and two months he has been at the head of the government, saying very soon his administration will conduct general election to elect new leaders which he will not part of because this is the last lap of his second tenure.
Giving update on all the projects embarked by his government, he revealed that the massive multipurpose complex built by his administration is now completed and ready for use.
The new multipurpose complex is coming with massive hall facility for the association, space already occupied by two banks (TajBank and Fidelity Bank), over hundred shops, spacious offices fo all elected officers and BoT members, toilets and urinals and car pack in front.
According to him, “As am talking to you, all the Executives have parked into their respective office in the new complex including my humble self. In fact, the Excos hosted the new Area Commander in my new Executive office yesterday.
“Apart from every officer being seated in his new office, our main hall is set for use as every needed facility including chairs, tables, fans and every structures are in place and ready for real usage.
Chief Ilechukwu reminded all the line heads in the market that are yet to complete their roofing to do so as soon as possible on or before March to avoid sanctions, warning that quality materials must be used to avoid failure after few months of completion.
On the new extension, he assured them that shops will be ready for collection from next week Tuesday, being February 17th and warned that anyone that is yet to complete his or her payments should do so at the office of the financial secretary now in the new office.
He also revealed that “As soon as we are through with roofing, APT will begin to work on internal roads in the market to improve ease of doing business in APT.”
He disclosed that as part of doing more for APT, his administration has flagged off the remodeling of each of every APT entrance gate starting from the main gate to a befitting standard entrance and exit.
Chief Ilechukwu, who also doubles as the chairman of Trade Fair Stakeholders Forum (TFSF), assured APT of regular electricity as his administration is working hard in making things better for everyone.
He thanked past presidents and members of the BoT for supporting his administration since he was sworn in and assured that his administration is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible election before the end of the year when his tenure will come to an end.
The thanksgiving was graced by some major corporate citizens and businesses including Fidelity Bank and Rehoboth Microfinance Bank.
